Every year I feel this topic comes up between people I know and talk to, and since I now have a blog to share with everyone, I will do so here.
Summertime in Texas. It's hot. It's long. And the best way to make it through is to go swimming!
I will admit to you that I have NEVER enjoyed wearing a swimsuit. I always felt like I was being forced to show off my body when I had no desire to do so. Regardless of how beautiful my parents or even my husband after we got married told me I was, I still felt so...exposed. And I didn't like it.
Once I had my first girl and started seeing the (not so modest) swim wear options out there, I knew there HAD to be something else we could wear that would cover us up a bit and that we would feel comfortable enough to go swimming in. And so, the internet search commenced. It didn't take long before I found some websites offering modest swim wear, but the prices seemed outrageous! I was looking to buy for myself and my 2 young girls, there was no way I could spend $100 on one swim suit just for myself! After tons of looking and searching, I found a woman on ebay who offered to make me a custom modest swimsuit for $45, including shipping! I was SO happy when I received my swimsuit, tried it on and realized that THIS was what I had been looking for for so long.
I also found some modest swimsuits for my girls as well. The brand is called Baby Banz and they make one pieces as well as two pieces, both with longer sleeves on the arms and shorts that go down to the knees. They're rated UV50 and I feel it not only keeps my girls protected from the sun, but also keeps them fully covered as well so they are not a stumbling block to anyone. Of course we never want to think that anyone sees our children this way, but the truth of the matter is that there are people in this world who do prey on children and I as a parent will do my best to keep my children safe from those people.
Just one more thing when it comes to my own children. I do not let my son go without a shirt, even while swimming. He knows our rules are that you are to always keep all your clothes on, including a shirt in the pool. We have not bought him a specific swimming shirt yet, though we may so it doesn't float up in the water in the pool. But I simply believe that our children, and us ourselves, should always stay covered, regardless of the weather or what we're doing.
Now, I know that many will see this as 'over-the-edge' or extreme when it comes to modesty, and that's fine. I respect everyone's right to parent their own children how they see best. I did want to write this blog post about swimwear and give you some links to some sites with modest swimwear for those who are interested in finding more modest swim clothing for their children.
If you check on eBay, you may be able to find some new or gently used modest swim suits for less money. I have seen numerous Baby Banz suits on there for around $15, though all the ladies modest suits are closer to $100.
One style shop for swimwear, but great prices and cute prints! 2T size is $40, little girls sizes are $50, girls sizes are $55, women's sizes are $65, and plus sizes are $75.
Wholesome Wear offers 3 types of modest swimwear: culotte, skirted and slimming. Prices range from $55 for girls to $71 for womens sizes.
This site offers basically just one style of swimwear in a few different prints. Women's suits are $74.99, girls suits are $49.99 and mens/boys swimshirts are on sale at the moment for $12.99.
This website offers many different swim wear items including swim culottes, swim skirts, swim body tees, and even one piece girls swimsuits! Many different pieces to check out and great prices as well!
Just found this site through a search today and it looks great! Basically a custom suit made for you for a great price! There are 3 basic styles, then you can customize by making the skirt longer or shorter, the sleeves either cap sleeves or t-shirt style, and even for a longer or shorter torso. Girl's suits are $34.97 and women's suits are $59.97. Cute prints, too!
Well, I could go on all day searching for more great modest swim wear websites to refer you to, but I think I'll have to stop here. If this is an area where you feel led to be more modest during the summers, please stop, say a prayer and allow God guide you in your decision. Then take a few minutes to check out these wonderful modest swim wear sites! I'm so very happy I did and now I feel comfortable going swimming with the kids each summer...modestly!
